“It’s Amazing”

“It’s amazing.” Those were some of the first words I heard Sarah speak yesterday morning after waking up. Her countenance was peaceful, and she began to break a smile as she came to a great realization. “He’s been wearing the same outfit for two days,” she said. I immediately stopped what I was doing, because I also realized that Bowen hadn’t thrown up in two days! I think we were both close to jumping up and down…such a great moment.

To be honest, the past week has felt surreal because a heavy burden feels lifted from us. I thank God for the good things that have been happening lately. I’ve really had a sense of awe over watching our dreams, that I believe God placed in our hearts, materialize. I was in Nashville last Friday to finish up my new project, and I couldn’t be happier with how it’s turning out. While I was there I also received a list of incredibly positive reports about things happening with Sanctus Real. I also met with the lawyer for our foundation in order finish up some budgets and paperwork. It looks as though we’re going to be operational by spring. I’ve never been so grateful as I am in these days, and I pray intently that Bowen’s life and story will continue to impact lives and bring glory to God.

March 2nd is the new date for Bowen’s next surgery. We’re reminded that it’s coming up because we can see that he’s a little more blue. He has a cardiology appointment in a couple of weeks and we’re hoping that he won’t need his surgery sooner. I know, for me at least, that it’s easy to forget to pray for things when they are out of sight. Please join me in saying a prayer today for Bowen’s next surgery.

One last thing- If any of you live near Phoenix, Arizona, I’ll be speaking at all three morning services at The Grove church in Chandler. I’d love to see you there.

Tammi T. (a mom of an HLHS boy)

We have been praying for his upcoming surgery on Feb. 28, and will continue to do so. We know how difficult it can be to prepare for it but God will get you through it. We’re also excited to hear that your project is being finalized, as well as, the details for the foundation. We are so excited and look forward to being part of it in any way we can. We are also thrilled to hear that Bowen hasn’t vomited for 2 days. Praise God!

Jensen Family

That’s wonderful that his puking has slowed down!! I know it’s totally different circumstances but just recently my 10 month old stopped spitting up, and I believe that I realized it the same way. What a comfort it must be to know that he’s continuing to get better. I prayed for Bowen’s next surgery before I typed this & I will continue to. I’m not to familiar with the music industry….what does “operational” mean??

Isobel

Isobel

Matt , Sarah ,
I want to say sorry because of how easy it has been for me to stop praying when , as you said , things get out of sight! It’s so good to hear Bowen’s stopped throwing up. It’s amazing he’s been putting on so much weight despite all that. I’m praying things will be scheduled just right for his surgery and that the next few weeks will see him gaining much strength . But especially I pray for peace for you all as you ‘ Let go and let God…..’
Blessings and love,
The Johnsons

We are praying for you and Sarah and Bowen’s upcoming surgery in hopes that he doesn’t need it sooner and that the doctors and nurses will be given strength and wisdom both in the events leading up to the surgery and including the surgery. We also pray that you and Sarah continue to be comforted and lifted up by God Almighty.

Yeah for no more throwing up!!! Will continue to pray for bowen! Its weird for me to hear all the hlhs parents now talk about their Glenn dates. We were planning on having ours in March too… but doctors hve advised given the not stellar function of annabelles heart… that we need to go directly to heart transplant. It is a huge mindset change for me…. one I havnt completely made yet. She should be listed by Friday or Monday…. and the wait begins. I thought I was impatient for the glenn to be over… impatience has a whole new meaning now! But God knows….

Tammi T. (a mom of an HLHS boy)

Krista,
We continue to pray for your precious, little Annabelle, for you and the rest of your family. I can’t even imagine what you must be experiencing. God is there with you and He’ll continue to help.

Deena

Wanted 2 send words of encouragement. We went from glenn 2 transplant. Amazing journey we wish 4 noone. If the opportunity presents itself 4 a heart, do it and dont look back. We have lots of other things 2 deal with and manage, but we can say r little guy is now 8 and luvs life. I asked God 4 one day at home with my son when he was a baby, and then God could have him. We have been given so much more. Pryrs 4 ur journey.

Pam Schooler

God DOES know!!! I’ve never really knew what it meant to really trust him before Bowen, but with each step forward and backward in this rollercoaster ride, we have had to just put him in His hands. I will be praying that a heart will become available real quickly. Thankyou for all you’re prayers for Bowen and please know that I am praying for Annabelle too. I am so thankful that so many others can see this and pray too!

Joyce

Sarah and Matt we continue our prayers for
you and your family. You have inspired me
so much in your sharing of your feelings and
thoughts. Love Digging Deeper.
I’m interested in what dates you will be in
Chandler speaking as my son lives there and
would like to go. I’m also planning to be
there.
May GOD continue to shower you with all you
need to carry on. You both have a full plate
so don’t forget to take care of yourselves.

Jennifer - Mom to 21 month old HLHS

We will be praying for Bowen and your family in the months leading up to the surgery, surgery, and a speedy recovery. My son had his Glenn in September 2009. Life got so much easier after the Glenn. He is doing well and is right on track. I pray Bowen really prospers after this next surgery.
I pray for you & your wife for the emontional rollercoaster of another heart surgery. Stay strong together, this time will be harder to hand him over, but you know he will receive great care.

I will remember to pray for Bowen’s surgery b/c that is the same day my son has his sedated echo and cardiology clinic appoiontment to make sure everything is still going well for him post-opp. Praying everything goes smooth for both our boys that day.

What a testament. I have Bowen in my thoughts and prayers each day. And following your blog, Matt and Sarah, has opened my eyes and my heart to the HLHS family. I’ve never heard of this before and then when they began talking about Bowen on K-Love months ago I started learning more about it and all of the families affected. Your story and the stories of so many others have touched my heart in a new way. I have a toddler and a 7 month old myself, so my heart goes out to anyone dealing with health issues with their child. May you both continue to walk in God’s will and I will continue to pray for Bowen and all the other HLHS families out there too.

so glad that the throwing up has stopped! I will continue to pray that it stays away!

It’s funny. I’m not in my car very much these days since I’m home with the kids, but when I am- it seems that Lead me is always on the radio. Whenever I hear it, instead of singing along with it, i intentionally turn it down and pray for you guys. It seems that I’m praying for you guys every time i get in the car! :o)

Connie

I continue to pray for you, Sarah and the kids. May God continue to bless you all. It has been a blessing that you and Sarah have permitted all of us, ryour readers, to be part of your journey. God is GOOD!!!

Robin

That is such great news about the no puking for 2 days! God is truly amazing in answering our prayers. I will pray today and everyday for Bowen’s next surgery. Thanks for keeping us updated on a regular basis. I really look forward to hearing how Bowen is doing and Digging Deeper.

Melinda

SO glad that Bowen is blessing you daily as he travels this road as a heart warrior. Our HLHS kids are born warriors – warriors of God, warriors of Faith Matt…..Continued blessings and prayers as his Glenn approaches!

Melinda, mom to Joseph, HLHS age 5 and Jaxon, age 11 and heart healthy

I’m so glad to hear that Bowen has been feeling better! What a blessing to not have him vomitting all the time! I will pray for his surgery in March. You must be feeling rather anxious in anticipation of that milestone. My heart goes out to you guys! Much love and prayers for you all!

Susie Michaud

So happy to hear you guys had a good week!!! I kept finding myself getting worried about you all, It is very relieving to hear that heavy burden has been lifted! It’s so wonderful you guys not only have had a good week, but even a surreal one! That is so great to hear Bowen is throwing up less all the time.We’ll be praying for the upcoming surgery in March.I’ve been listening to Pieces of a Real Heart a lot lately. The words are so ministering. They really hit the spot as to where I have been and still am a lot of the time. God has so much love for us and we just need to let go of all the insecurities that hold us back from letting us accept His neverending love.I keep wanting to say this, but there are all these people gathering together reading this websight. I keep thinking how awesome it would be if a “prayer hotline” could branch from it. Prayer is a powerful thing. Maybe God wants me to start up something, I don’t know. But I keep wanting to pray for all the people involved in this too. There have been moments in my life when I have been so hurting and desperate inside with no one to talk to and if I would have been able to just communicate with someone out there and pray with them and get some objective advice, it would have been so comforting. I hope the Hammit family continues to have a great week and I’ll never stop saying how much you all have blessed the lives of so many people by reaching out with your hearts!

Jennifer (mom of ToF baby boy)

But as for me, I would seek God, and I would place my cause before God; who does great and unsearchable things, wonders without number. Job 5:8-9 Praying for your family! Some days it is
so easy to push the thought of Jensen’s next surgery out of my mind, and some days it feels
like it will be here all too soon! Praying for comfort for us all, especially our little ones!

Kelly Wagner

Gail

Thank you for continuing to post little Bowen’s progress. I have been following your blog for quite some time and check continually for updates. Bowen is in my prayers daily as well as your whole family. You guys are amazing and it blesses my heart to see the faith and endurance that God has given you. He looks wonderful and I will continue to pray for strength and peace as you look forward to his next surgery. I have four healthy grandchildren with two more on the way and it is a constant reminder to be contunually thankful for their health.
I will continue to pray for him daily and thank God for his progress. He is a beautiful little boy and it brings so much joy tp see him thriving. May God continue to bless you all.
Gail

Jill Leebrick

Yes, I live in Phoenix!! But you didn’t say when you are speaking. I hope you respond soon enough for me to make plans. I would love to be there. Just know that we are jumping and rejoicing with you in Bowen’s progress. Will continue to pray for his miracle healing. Thank you Lord.

Cathy

Pat

Like Jill, whenever I hear Sanctus Real on the radio, I’m reminded to pray for your family. It is amazing how hardship takes us to a place where we can rejoice in those ‘normal’ moments. Praying for peace, continued strength, rest, and complete healing.

We realize what you are saying about the hard times making you appreciate the normal moments and I think it takes wisdom to appreciate the goodness of life when you have been through hard times. Some people become sour because of the hard times and they become bitter, but as Christians we have to surrender these hard times to the cross and become better. I have lived in bitter for a time and it is much better to give it to God. I now live in better not bitter. Everyday is a gift from God regardless of hard times we sometimes live through.
God Bless you and thank you for your bit of wisdom,
Angie and All

Holly

Lizzie

We are so glad to hear all of this amazingly good news! God is so good! We continue to pray for each of you daily. We will be especially prayerful of Bowens upcoming surgery.
Love and prayers from The Vincent family 🙂

serena strain

Dear Matt and Sarah
Just checking in on your family and baby Bowan. Hoping your son is doing well these days. Know that in my heart of hearts I pray for him everyday to get stronger so that his surgeries will be successful and that he will be a happy healthy baby boy when it is all said and done. KLOVE keeps me strong everyday!

Being a NICU nurse, I know what you and your family are enduring….my prayers are with you.

irene moulton

Matt & Sarah,
What wonderful news about Bowen’s keeping food down! Praising God for all the little things and praying for the big things like his upcoming surgery, the foundation and Matt’s travel to Arizona. God is truly working through you with all that you do and share. It is awesome that God gave you Bowen to give you new sights to see and mountains to climb and adventures to share and write about both in this blog and in upcoming songs. So glad that he has shined his light on you and the band and given you new heights to conquer and you are still a humble, carng and giving man!

Crystal Willis

Yanna

Praise the Lord for so many prayers answered. I have marked my calendar for March 2nd to focus my time talking to our Father and thanking Him for the complete healing he is bringing to Bowen’s body, one treatment at a time. Thank you for keeping us updated and sharing the rejoicing in your heart and the amazing good news. Praying daily for Bowen. Keep posting pictures of him and the girls they make me smile and bless my vision. 🙂

We are so glad to hear how well Bowen is doing! We hope you are able to enjoy every day to the fullest with your kids and that the Peace of Christ will guard your hearts. We are most definately praying for Bowen and his upcoming surgery.

It has been awhile since I have commented on here, although still praying and reading your updates! I just want you to know that I have had an overwhelming burden to be put on my heart to pray for Bowen and his next surgery already! God has not only given me this burden, but has also given me opportunity to share your blog with people who were and are our faithful prayer warriors.
I am sure that God will continue to open up places for Bowen’s story to be told, and really it is God story through Bowen’s life. With our experiace God is calling me to start speaking and that is “out of my comfort zone” in ways, but it is not about having to say something, but it all about having something to say. I know you have something to say!!! God’s goodness is evident through it all! The ups and the downs and today we praise Him with you for the GREAT news of no throwing up!
God is amazing, and we are following Him with you on this journey called life. True life in Him!
May He be Praised!!!
(and a little update on Kasi….she did go back to school for 1 1/2 hours, but now is home again. The flu is going around and if she were to get sick we would be right back in the hospital. Her heart does look amazing and we praise God for that!)

So glad to hear the great news about Bowen. He is doing so well with his weight and now not throwing up so much. I will keep you in my thougths and prayers, what a good ideal to pray when we hear your songs. Thank you so much for all the updates and to see how God is working in your family. I have been praying for his up coming surgery and so thankful that the Lord is making him stronger each day. Have a good week and may the Lord continually bless your family.

Mallory Fields 17 year old with (HLHS) from Memphis, TN.

WOW! Such a joy to hear the great and amazing news about everything that has been going on with you all, I ws so happy when I heard Bowen’s surgery was re-schedualed for March 2nd that is the day after my dad’s birthday. Also I have wonderful news on my (HLHS) heart part just like Bowen since me and him are both (HLHS’s) I got a call from Michigan today and we are going up there for a check up like we do every other year during the summer and well we go up there June 6th Im so excited and cannot wait I love Michigan so much I want to move there and they love me as well. Best of luck on next surgery to yawl and he is my prayers all the time even at my school God will keep Bowen and you all well and in good and great hands in March on his next surgery day:) Stay Strong and Know you all will get through it happy and filled with Joy and amazment Michigan knows there TEAM and they know EVERYBODY and the PATIETS and FAMILIES and PARENTS!!!!!!!!!!

Connie Toole

So glad to hear that Bowen is improving , and gaining weight ! All of you are in my thoughts and prayers often, and I especially pray for Bowen to continue to get stronger and stronger. I know his next surgery is coming up and my heart hurts for you, because we know how that feels. I pray God heals him before the time and he goes for his next check up and they are shocked !1 We know he can do that ! If that is not in his plan, we continue to pray for his healing hands on Bowen in this next surgery. We got some sad news today about my granddaughter, Emerson. She had a check up in Charleston today at MUSC. She had her Fontan Oct. 18 th, we were in the hospital for 33 days and she has been getting fluid on her lungs, so we have had to go back every week. It is still there, so today the doctors decided that it’s time to admit her and put a chest tube in to try to get rid of the fluid. We will pack bags and head back tomorrow, and keep praying, keep holding on to God’s promises and try to be patient for all of this . Please add Emerson to your prayers, thank you !! Connie Toole, nana to EmersonBanksMay, HLHS, http://www.carepages.com

Yeah, two days without puking.. It is always so nice.. You will look back someday and wonder how you ever did it!!

I continue to pray for your famiily. I will be praying extra for March 2nd! The Glenn will hopefully be a much easier recovery!
We are waiting on the Fontan and noticing some major color changes here too. Maggie is scheduled for a heart cath on Feb 11th and then hopefully a date will be set for the Fontan!

Continued prayer and thoughts are send your way! He looks great and so happy!!

amanda

What a great thing to celebrate!! It’s so wonderful when those little victories start to add up! It’s clear you are both breathing slightly easier, and that is a huge blessing in and of itself. I’m looking forward to hearing the new songs, and seeing how God uses the foundation to bring blessings to the entire CHD community.

Carol

Lynette

Matt and Sarah, I understand your worries at this point in Bowen’s upcoming surgery. Our 5 month old baby boy will be having the total repair surgery for TOF (tetralogy of fallot) in about 4 weeks. Due to recent hospitalization, anesthesia cannot be done for at least 4 wks. Praying God’s blessings upon your family and that both of our baby boys’ surgeries will go smoothly.

Deena

Amorette Helm

Hooray for no more throwing up…God is so amazing! We continue to pray for little Bowen’s to grown stronger every day! We are praying for the surgery to go very smoothly and for recovery to be amazingly quick! My daughter who just turned 5 keeps praying for Jesus to make baby Bowen’s heart as strong as his! Thanks for sharing your sweet family with us! God bless you guys!
Lots of love~Amorette

Mary

I’m so glad to here that he has been doing well. My niece Charlotte was born with HLHS. But due to complications she passed away sixteen days later. I will continue to pray for Bowen and the rest of your family.

Pam Schooler

I had been praying for Charlotte. I am so sorry to hear. We never know what lies ahead and it is the same for us with Bowen. The only SURE thing in this life is that God promises to never leave us or give us more than we can handle. I will be praying for you’re family- that you will feel all those things that He promises as you go through this hard, hard time.

Andrea

It’s funny how we learn to appreciate the small things…hooray for no puke! I love it when that happens. We’ll be praying for you as you get ready for the Glenn. Owen is almost 3 years post Glenn and he has a full tricuspid repair scheduled at Stanford on feb 10th. This is the big surgery that will determine if the font an is possible.

Walking in faith.

We live in Gilbert, which is minutes from Chandler. What dates will you be here?

Here’s hoping the pikes are gone for good! I am just so thrilled that Bowen is eating orally too!

Debra Hallock

Wonderful news about Bowen. I’ll be praying for more days of clean outfits ,the upcoming cardiologist appt and March surgery. I was in the group of people you spoke to before Sanctus Real played at Chandler Christian Church last spring in Arizona. I was impressed with your godly character at that time; more so now. Your wife is a treasure and I love how you state it plain and clear – it strengthens her to continue being the woman God has called her to be. I’m going to map quest The Grove church so I can do my best to get there Sunday and hear you speak. Thanks for putting that in the post.

Dawn Stacy

ALEISHA

I HAVE BEEN FOLLOWING YOUR BLOG SINCE I HEARD ABOUT BOWEN ON K LOVE BACK IN AUGUST. MY SON WAS DUE ON SEPTEMBER THE 9TH AND WAS BORN ON AUG. 31ST , SO THEY AREN’T FAR APART. I JUST WANT YOU AND SARAH TO KNOW WHAT AN ENCOURAGEMENT YOU HAVE BEEN TO MY LIFE THROUGH YOUR FAITH , I CAN’T EVEN BEGIN TO IMAGINE WHAT YOU ARE GOING THROUGH. I CHECK YOUR BLOG DAILY AND PRAY DAILY FOR BOWEN AND YOUR FAMILY. IT IS REALLY SAD FOR ME TO SAY , BUT I STRUGGLE DAILY WITH SMALL THINGS AND HAVEN’T EVER BEEN THROUGH ANYTHING LIKE WHAT YOU ARE ,AND IT MAKES ME ASHAMED , BECAUSE SOMETIMES WE DON’T REALIZE HOW BLESSED WE ARE UNTIL WE HERE SOMEONE ELSES STORY. I AM REMINDED OF A VERSE THAT WE SING IN CHURCH THAT SAYS, LEARNING TO LEAN , LEARNING TO LEAN , I’ M LEARNING TO LEAN ON JESUS , FINDING MORE POWER THAN I EVER DREAMED , I’M LEARNING TO LEAN ON JESUS. NOTHING IS TOO BIG FOR GOD! GOD BLESS

Jessica

I’m so happy to hear that Bowen’s vomiting has gotten better! We have been following the site since hearing about your family on K-LOVE since shortly before Bowen was born. I was looking through the picture gallery tonight and it’s amazing to see how much he’s changed in the past few months. He looks like such a happy little guy now that he is tube-free! I have faith that God will continue holding Bowen and your family and get you through the next surgery. God bless you all!

Amanda k

Matt,
I have been following your story of baby Bowen since I met you in rapid city, SD at hills alive this past summer.I check the blog everyday and have also started to follow some of the other stories you have been made aware of. On the day you brought baby Bowen into this world, I found out we were expecting our 3rd baby. Just a few short weeks ago we had our ultrasound and everything was looking good for our little girl.1 week later I was admitted to hospital for dehydration from a migraine headache. They put the monitors on and I was having early labor contractions. I got better from that And went home. This past tuesday as I was lying on the couch watching TV, I started to feel contractions every few min. I came immediately to the hospital and was admitted. With no clear explinaton of why this may be happening the doctors are doing everything in there power to keep me from delivering. The major concern is that we are being told that if she were to be born now, they wouldn’t take any measures to save her because they have to be 23-24 weeks and I am 22-23. The 2nd major issue is, their thinking I have developed an infection in the amniotic fluid and if that’s the case they will have no choice but to deliver her or my life would be threatened. We are so scared but want to let you all know so that you can pray. Thank you for your inspiration with your story because right now the only thing I can do is trust our loving God! I know he is in control and that He created this life with a purpose and plan and even if it means death for our precious baby I will be able to somehow use her life to glorify Him. Without following your story and the many others up to this point I would be so angry with God right now but instead you all have helped me to kno deep down, no matter what happens there is a purpose and reason and God loves us! I think I may be babbling and don’t kno if any of this will get to you but I thought I would try to just ask for prayer from everyone who follows this site as much as I have since seeing and hearing your story in Rapid City at hills alive. Thank yo

Pam Schooler

I will be praying for your little girl and you can be sure that there will be lots of others that are reading this joining me in prayer for her. I will be praying for you, too. I had issues with my last pregnancy and didn’t know if she was going to make it and the waiting is so hard. You just don’t know how to think or prepare your mind because you don’t know what is going to happen. I guess it is another one of those times in life when you have to completely surrender to God’s plan and that’s what we tried to do but I still begged Him that she might live. Well, she is 19 now and we are so thankful that God’s will was for her to live. I pray you will feel His peace as you wait.

Debbie & family

Dear God, Amanda needs you right now…she cries out for her unborn child and believes that prayer can change things. Bless her faith and her womb where her baby lives! Bless her and her baby with all hope in the One True God who has the power to heal and to save each life that asks for it. Lord we do not understand your ways, we are told where two or three come together in Your name You are there with them and when two agree on earth about anything, it will be done for them by Our Father in heaven. Father we ask you to give favor to all who in trust you as Amanda does and for Your will to be done. Thank you in advance for what you will do,we trust that you are holding us all in your plan and Your plans are great and You are greatly to be praised! In Jesus name, Amen. Bless her Lord…Bless all who come together and pray! Hallelujah

ROCHELLE HEFFLINGER

Hi Matt and Sarah,
Can’t wait to see you @ The Grove tomorrow. Gonna be at the 8am service. This is going to be so exciting to see you and maybe your family and hear your testimony. Keep the Faith luv to your cute lil family too.
Luv in Christ,
Rochelle

Matt,
Glad to hear a weight has been lifted. We feel the same about a situation that has just resolved in our lives. We are also glad that Bowen has been well and has been in the same clothes for days that means people have been getting rest. We are praying for you and your family as you prepare for Bowen’s surgery when ever exactly that will be.
God Bless You in His Love,
Duke, Angie and all

lisa carlin(hlhs mom)

hey matt!! I thank god for you too! I have connected to people that I can relate to thanks to you and your family. we are doing well so far this year and dylan is still forging ahead. bowen is in my thoughts and prayers, always….

Wendie

Erin

Hello, I have been following your blog for sometime now. I believe a came across is on the Coles Foundation Website before Bowen was born. We have a little boy in our hometown that was born with HLHS. He is getting ready to have another surgery in the spring but he is doing well.

I also got introduced to your music through your blog. I LOVE it. And just received notice that Sanctus Real will be opening for Casting Crowns at the Iowa State Fair in August!! I am going to try my darndest to get tickets for that show. Can’t wait to see you in concert.

Glad to hear that Bowen is doing well and that he is getting better. I truly believe in the power of the Lord.

Terra K

Matt and Sara,
It is such a joy to see the changes in Bowen. We frequently check for updates on your little man. My girls and I have been praying since August for his continued improvement and strength. Through your transparent walk with God you have been helping me teach my girls that God is in control. We have to pray and trust God to take care of the rest. Every night Bowen is the first thing out of their mouths when I ask who we are praying for. Bowen is one of the words my two year old says best. They enjoy seeing the videos and pics so they feel they know him. I pray that you know you are not alone and that your walk is impacting thousands in little ways. Thank you.

Debbie & family

Hallelujah. It is my favorite word these days. So happy to see God at work, moving and doing all the great things He does in your story. What a BIG deal it must have been to realize that Baby Bowen made it through 2 days in the same, little outfit..Hallelujah. Glory to God in the highest, who was and is and is to come…Hallelujah! Also just want you to know we are watching and waiting with you for Baby Bowen’s next surgery on March 2. March is a pretty exciting month for me too as on March 1 the results of the Women of Faith Book entries will be announced. I wrote a book about chasing a dream. The dream was the result of God giving us our little Hannah who almost died. Maybe you could pray for it. God saved her and her adopted sister and I want the world to know about it…thanks! Hallelujah, God is good and everything He does is good! Keep singing, dreaming, hoping and believing! With much love (God’s love), Debbie

What amazing news to hear!!! I am so happy that Bowen has been doing well and not getting sick! Praying that it stays that way.

It is hard when surgery is creeping up because for just a little while you forget that it sits just beyond the horizon until you wake up one morning to see it is upon you. I am sure you will feel much anxiety as the date approaches but I pray that you will find peace in your heart knowing that so many are praying for sweet Bowen and uplifting your family through all of this!

Lauren

The Novak Family (daughter w/TOF)

I am so thankful for this site, not only do we get to “Pay it forward” with our prayers for your family especially little Bowen, but I find myself here tonight for the first time seeking comfort knowing that most people posting comments know how I feel right now. We have an 8 yr old princess w/TOF and she had her annual cardiology appt. today. We are going to schedule some more tests to find out the status of her pumonary valve. Just praying we don’t have to go down the road to have the valve replaced. Honestly, I am not ready….but knowing that God is right here w/our family and reading all the blogs of encouragement makes it easier to put one foot in front of the other.

Tammi T. (a mom of an HLHS boy)

krissy (heart mommy of a 4yr old heart guy)

yay for no vomit!!!!!!! that is an amazing exciting amazing thing when the vomit stops! and still no ng im guessing, so that helps even more with no vomit and weight gain should go up with no vomit too! praising jesus for an amazing thing like no vomit!!!

I haven’t been able to read your blog for a couple of weeks or more now. I cried happy tears when I watched the video of that precious little Bowen. It is priceless. I’m continuing to pray for Bowen’s amazing new health improvements. Sarah & Matt and the miracles in each of your little ones, especially Bowenhas so encouraged me. We serve an awesome God. Thank you Jesus for continuing healing in Bowen. I’m so happy for your specific prayer needs and praying in agreement with you for Bowen’s next surgery including the doctors and nurses that are caring for little Bowen. Sarah you’re a extra special mom. Matt, I struggle with complaining & I’m patient most of the time but find it difficult waiting for God’s excellent, perfect timing as life isn’t easy. God never said it would be easy but His everlasting love carries us through all our struggles. Only when we’re on the other side looking back at God’s power working in, with and through us we thank Him for teaching us to live one day at a time. Never give up on the hope He gives to wait for His perfect timing. At least I’ve been learning to along the way to live for His timing eventhough we don’t understand that His ways are higher than our ways. I enjoy reading your “Digging Deeper” segment. Sarah , I love your “only a mom’s heart understands” writing. God gave both of you talents to honestly share your faith & love as your life glorifies God. God’s Blessings always, Mary W.

Emily

I haven’t checked on here in a while, but I am reading all of the new updates!!! It is so great that Bowen didn’t throw up for two days!!! I am happy about the wonderful progress he is making!!! Also about the wonderful things that are happening for you and the band!!! I am still praying profusely for Bowen and the whole family, and I will pray extra hard on the date of his next surgery!!! March 2nd is my 16th birthday, and while it will be a happy day for me, I know it will be a stressful day for you guys, so I will be praying extra hard, k? Again, I am so happy to hear of his progress!!! God is SO GOOD!!!!! 😀 😀 😀

Leslie

And I think God for you and your family. I cannot begin to express how your story has lifted me and has made my faith stronger. My ending was not a good one, but your story really has brought me such as sense of peace. I will continue to pray for Bowen. I am sure he has at least onw little angel helping him get through this. (His name is Matthew.) Coincidence? Nope….a God wink. 🙂 God Bless You.

1/18/11
Dear Matt and Sarah,
Congrats on your 1st real outing w/Bowen!! He DID look like he was ‘taking it all in.’ I’ll pray that this cold leaves soon, and that he doesn’t catch another, b/4 the surgery. Give ea. of the kids–and ea. other–a big kiss and hug fm. one of your sisters in Christ!! God bless
Lynn

Maria Fe Montefalcon

I was so amazed how mightily God is moving through Bowen’s life as well as to your family. I am so blessed that I’ve read some of your posts here in this website. I will also pray for Bowen’s second surgery. I know God will do something great in his life and your family. Wait with anticipation.God is in control. 🙂 God bless!

I share your Joy! My son was born with some problems too. He had to have an ostomy when he was born, and we had such trouble keeping a bag on it, and preventing leaks. He would blow through 6 outfits a day, for his first 6 months until we closed it. I remember leaving him in his jammies when we brought him home from the hospital after his closure surgery…for 36 hours. How refreshing it was that we could put those clothes in the hamper because they could stand on their own, not because any bodily fluid had gotten on them.
Praying for many many more such Blessings.

Good day from Russia! Am i allowed to quote a post within your weblog with the link to you? Ive tried contacting you regarding this problem but it appears i cant achieve you, please response when have a time, thanks.

Addam Whitt

Lord in Heaven, I pray right now that you would wrap your healing hand around Bowen. I pray you will give the doctors and nurses the knowledge they need to perform this surgery. Let the family be comforted, and bless them. Amen.

Gabe Didier Puma

Im actually a baby myself spiritually as of last year, but certainly have felt and seen the power of prayer. I will be saying a prayer for Bowen before bed (I work nights)..I pray to our Lord and Father God that Bowen comes out of surgery intact, and that God guides the surgeons’ hands in a delicate way, for Im sure he is doing surgery on a small but very strong to be heart that will later praise our creator in later years. My best to Bowen and your family. God keep you in the palm of his hand always.
Warmest regards,

This morning i was cleaning up the kitchen after breakfeast, then i heard about little baby “Bowen”. I felt an overwhelming sense of addressing this post to the family of baby Bowen and that “God” is in control of everything, he will never leave this family in life’s difficulties that you are challenged with. He is near ready and willing to help his childrens needs. Never give up on “God”. He is close to your hearts and he will keep you all strong in this time of need. I’am living proof of what the “Lord” has done for me, i have made it through and a survivor of getting shot on three different occasions in my life.
For this reason it has brought me near closer to “God” who loves us all. This is my favorite spiritual song that keeps me connected to him it is (Breath) by Michael W. Smith. “God” bless your whole entire family in Jesus Mighty name Amen by B.R.